Audi's sadistic plug designs

[mtroxel]

Local baseball team is on AM radio now. AM antenna is an off and on thing. I'm back at the antenna amplifier in the driver's side D panel and when I push on this plug, AM can come back.

But, I have NO idea how to unplug this. I worked it so hard I already pulled one of the little blue wires off the glass. I've tried everything. Can't see a latch anywhere.

[Spawne32]

i came in here to agree with you, audi by far has the worst god damn electrical plug designs i have ever had my hands on, and they ALWAYS BREAK.

[mtroxel]

I appreciate your emotional support Spawne32. But I got smart and pryed that little black plastic cover off the amplifier. Typical Audi small plug design, there's a little catch in that chewed up square hole.



But now its just laughing at me. I put jeweler's screw driver all the way in there. Damn plug won't budge!!!

[Spawne32]

i am amazed that didnt break lol

[mtroxel]

i am amazed that didnt break lol

Put it back together (you can't expect me to drive around tomorrow without FM radio or GPS like some damn settler in a covered wagon) and it all works. If I push on that plug, I get AM.

[LTopher]

i came in here to agree with you, audi by far has the worst god damn electrical plug designs i have ever had my hands on, and they ALWAYS BREAK.

Too true. I've broken more connectors on my Audi in just a few months than I have working on multiple cars for years.

Why is it so hard to design a plug that you can just squeeze and pull to disconnect? And why can't manufactures simply reuse that same design, albeit in different sizes, for everything rather than designing some new puzzle to figure out (and likely break)?

[ferndj02]

Preach! They're never intuitive, and I still don't understand how to remove the Connector to the EPB's of the Rear Calipers.

[mtroxel]

For all you guys who are waiting breathlessly for the end of this story......

1. Found out my reception is solved when I push on/flex the circuit board in this antenna amp.
2. I unbolted the amp, made a cut in the female end of that plug joint and got the plug out.
3. Can't blame Audi. I think the problem is the male plug on this aftermarket window glass.

[LTopher]

For all you guys who are waiting breathlessly for the end of this story......

1. Found out my reception is solved when I push on/flex the circuit board in this antenna amp.
2. I unbolted the amp, made a cut in the female end of that plug joint and got the plug out.
3. Can't blame Audi. I think the problem is the male plug on this aftermarket window glass.
4. Everyone can now breath a sigh of relief
5. Time for a beer

FTWY